Dr. Shawn Beug received his PhD in Biochemistry with a specialization in Human and Molecular Genetics from the University of Ottawa. In his graduate work, he investigated how signalling molecules originating from the retina shape the development of astrocytes within the optic nerve.
Dr. Beug continued his studies as a postdoctoral fellow at the CHEO Research Institute, where he researched the potential of targeting the Inhibitor of Apoptosis (IAP) proteins for cancer therapy. Dr. Beug is currently a Scientist at the CHEO Research Institute and an Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa.
Related News
Research Projects
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Suspension-Induced Stem Cell Transition: A Non-Transgenic Method to Generate Adult Stem Cells from Mouse and Human Somatic Cells
23/10/2022
Our initial observations revealed that when fibroblasts are cultivated in suspension culture, they undergo a notable transformation in morphology and concurrently exhibit the expression of stem cell-associated markers. However, this intriguing phenomenon is transient, as these cells subsequently enter a phase of rapid apoptosis (anoikis or detachment-induced cell death). Therefore, we explored whether or not ASCs could be derived in larger numbers from suspensions of somatic cells cultured under non-adherent conditions. We initially studied mouse dermal fibroblasts (tail/ear fibroblasts, TEFs) [10] in novel suspension culture conditions together with newly formulated growth factor (GF)-enriched [11], serum-free culture media with the Rho-kinase inhibitor [12], designed to support the transformation, survival and proliferation of ASCs.
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The Transcription Factor SP3 Drives TNF-α Expression in Response to Smac Mimetics
01/01/2019
The controlled production and downstream signaling of the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) are important for immunity and its anticancer effects.
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Smac Mimetics Synergize With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors to Promote Tumour Immunity Against Glioblastoma
01/02/2017
Overall, this combinatorial approach could be highly effective in clinical application as it allows for cooperative and complimentary mechanisms in the immune cell-mediated death of cancer cells.
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Smac Mimetics and Innate Immune Stimuli Synergize to Promote Tumor Death
15/02/2014
As these and other adjuvants have been proven safe in clinical trials, it may be worthwhile to explore their clinical efficacy in combination with SMCs.